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Silicon Times Report Issue 1223
Silicon Times Report
The Original Independent OnLine Magazine"
(Since 1987)
June 07, 1996 No. 1223
Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine
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- CPU Industry Report - Corel News Updates - Acrobat 3.0
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Apple Management Reshuffles
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Florida Lotto - LottoMan v1.35
Results: 6/01/96: 3 of 6 numbers with 0 matches
From the Editor's Desk...
Its the season . BBQ, beaches, suntans, and fun. Fun?? Hah! Enjoy it
while you can! That is until the Government gets its way. with trying to
hobble the Internet even more, tax the life outta the Net's services and of
course, the "Johnny Jump on the Bandwagon" politicos trying to put even more
Net Regulation in place. Whatever became of the Bill of Rights?? The
Constitution?? Or, better yet.. The American Way??
Leave it up to the likes of the Rostenkowsky's, Amato's etc., and you
find the old, worn out principle of "don't do as I do. DO as I say.. very
much the order of the day. ATTA BOY Amato!! Milk `em for all they're worth.
after all, that's what Politics are all about. Right?? According to your
latest EXPOSED Escapades it MUST BE! Compared to you and your various
ventures since you "Hit the Hill".. Nixon should be put up for Sainthood!
Then we have the good politician from Utah. Mr. Hatch trying to
introduce more legislation to regulate the NET. Why are these politicians so
afraid of the net?? Because they cannot shut up any one who is exposing them
for what they really are. opportunistic charlatans trying to make some sort
of legislative history with their names in "lights". Each of them gives this
reporter the impression they're convinced they are "legends in their own
minds". Someone ought to tell them they really are vultures looking for a
place to blight! Hey, .. the US Government designed and then created the
NET. Now, let `em live with it!
But wait. the "Control Freak of Control Freaks" is at it too!! Janet
"Control `Em or Lock `Em Up" Reno has declared she's convinced .as a result
of some sort of "whatever" study, that the NET needs to have its VERY OWN Law
Enforcement Group, Contingency or what-chama-callit.. Perhaps she's fearful
that somehow, someone will figure how to suck your hardware back to their
site thru the phone lines. well, maybe not that drastic a happening. Maybe
she's worried about Martians taking over the net posing as programmers and
users. DUH! I say, let's lock up the "Control Freaks and Censorship Nuts"!!
Leave the NET alone.
Meanwhile, Florida's "Revenuers", from the Keys to Pensacola, are
driving themselves crazy trying to come up with all sorts of ingenious
methods to TAX the new technology and the NET in one greedy way or another!
Somebody out to tell them and the good Governor, Lawton Chiles, that the rest
of the world feels sorry for Florida not being able to GRAB the BIG Tourist
Bux its used to grabbing.
But then Flordia ought to put an end to the constant massacre of foreign
Tourists, Drug Smuggling, Speed Trap Cities and the God Forsaken Ill-Trained
"Pork Chopper Red Neck Cops" with only a "Big Mouth" and a pair of "Shades"
and their ever present "Glock" being all they can actually brag about having
mastered.
Oh! I almost forgot. have you EVER seen what many of the Florida Police
Chiefs aka .. "DA SHERIFF" look like in Uniform?? Remember the Goofy, stupid
(almost comical) looking South American Generalissimos?? You know, the ones
with twenty Gold Stars on each shoulder and an equal amount on each side of
the collar?? Next time a Florida Sheriff is "On the Tube" in uniform. take a
good look. This. is what we have protecting us?? I'd rather have New York's
Guardian Angels any day. At least those people look and act real.
No doubt, Florida has to find Virgin territory to tax.. Until they get
with the social times. instead of trying to create such. Florida will
desperately need new sources of high revenue. The tourist trades in Florida
are comatose. Its really Florida's own fault. But why must software and the
Net pay for Florida's mistakes? By the way. don't forget where Janet Reno is
from.. is Dade County, Fl. Hey, Dade Countians!! Is Dade County any better
a place to live in because of Reno's ways of doing things?? Hmmm.
This country was built upon the concept of free speech. By responsible
adults who felt that the country would always produce responsible, well
educated citizens who would bear in the mind the concept of being responsible
for one's actions. Nowadays, we have politicians who are among the biggest
of thieves, liars and cheats this man's world has EVER known. How in
heaven's name can we expect our youngsters to respect the law and at the same
time, teach their children to do so when they are repeatedly shown that most
politicians are on "the take" or, have "the fix in" in some way or another!!
The sleaze ball politicos had better clean up their own acts if we ever
expect to have law and order be the normal way of life ever again.
This is an election year.. maybe we should all stay home and make a
mockery of slobs that are in power or, trying to gain power. Out of whole
lot... maybe a baker's dozen are honest to goodness genuinely interested in
the welfare of their constituents. Maybe!
That's my opinion. I could be wrong. <g> Maybe not. let's hear from
you!
Ralph....
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LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
Apple Management Reshuffles
Apple Computer Inc. has changed its management structure in a move, its
leaders say, to meet the needs of a new strategy announced two weeks ago to
guide it back toward profitability. According to The Associated Press, the
new structure, which officially takes effect next week, creates a layer of
six managers just below Apple CEO Gilbert F. Amelio. Two of the six
executives joined Apple after Amelio, the former CEO of National
Semiconductor Inc., replaced Michael Spindler as Apple CEO in February.
And James J. Buckley, the head of Apple's domestic operations, has become
what AP characterizes as "a victim of the shakeup." Buckley is leaving after
11 years at the company. As reported, Amelio on May 13 said Apple will cut
costs by simplifying its product line and will increase its development focus
on Internet-related products.
The six managers include the chief operating officer, chief administrative
officer, chief technical officer, chief financial officer, senior vice
president of corporate marketing, and vice president of strategic planning,
AP says, adding Amelio appointed:
ú Marco Landi, the leader of Apple's European operations, to be chief
operating officer. He will oversee Apple's product divisions, including its
core Macintosh development operation.
ú George Scalise to be chief administrative officer, a position similar to
the one he held at National Semiconductor before Amelio asked him to come
to Apple in March.
ú Fred Anderson, hired last month, to be chief financial officer.
ú Satjiv Chahil to be senior vice president for marketing.
ú Douglas Solomon to be the vice president responsible for development and
implementation of strategic plans.
The wire service says Amelio will assume the duties of chief technical
officer until he hires one for the company. As noted, Apple suffered a $740
million loss from January to March, its worst quarterly performance, as it
wrote off the value of unsold inventory and set aside money for severance to
1,300 employees being laid off. "Another 1,500 job cuts are planned this
year to help restore the company to profitability," AP observes. "Executives
have said they expect Apple to continue losing money for the rest of the
year."
DEC, Compaq Offer New Computers
In time for the Spring Comdex trade show in Chicago, new personal computers
for businesses have been introduced by Digital Equipment Corp. and Compaq
Computer Corp. while Hewlett-Packard Co. has cut prices on its commercial
line. Business writer Evan Ramstad of The Associated Press notes that
earlier this year, PC makers accelerated their price cuts, denting their
profit margins, as growth slowed, "but the more recent cuts, capped with
those by Hewlett-Packard, have been part of a standard pattern in the PC
industry as products age and new models come along. Hewlett-Packard's cuts
ranged from 4 percent to 26 percent."
Digital changed its main line of desktop models, being renamed from Venturis
to Venturis FX, to make the machines easier to service, a move designed to
appeal to technicians within companies. "For instance," notes Ramstad, "the
main circuit board, or motherboard, has been placed on a rail to slide out in
a few seconds and most of the components that are routinely upgraded have
been placed at the front of that circuitry." AP says the firm's lowest-cost
Venturis FX, which has a 100 MHz Pentium chip, 8MB of main memory and a
845MB hard drive, will be $1,695. DEC also introduced higher-priced PCs that
act as servers.
Compaq introduced an advanced line of servers called the ProLiant 5000,
starting at $11,900. The most powerful versions, with up to four
microprocessors running, will cost around $200,000. "Both Digital and Compaq
said they had also developed new ways to improve performance of servers that
are bundled or clustered together," AP reports. Meanwhile, Hewlett-Packard
also introduced two new PC servers run by the Pentium Pro chip. The company
is introducing new models of a more powerful group of workstations based on
an advanced microprocessor, called the PA-8000, that it has developed.
NEC Merges Unit Into Packard Bell
In a deal valued at approximately $300 million, NEC Corp. is merging its
worldwide PC operations outside of Japan into Packard Bell Electronics Inc.
The new firm will be named Packard Bell NEC. The transaction is expected to
be completed by July 1. Current Packard Bell chief Beny Alagem will serve as
chairman, CEO and
president of Packard Bell NEC.
"Our commitment to world-class technological innovation, efficiency, quality
and service is enhanced by NEC's management team and its track record for
technological advances and engineering quality," Alagem said in a statement.
Annual revenue for the combined entity will be about $8 billion, making it
the world's fourth-largest PC maker after Compaq Computer Corp., IBM Corp.
and Apple Computer Inc.
The firm will pose serious competition to U.S. PC market leader Compaq. Had
Packard Bell and NEC been a single company in 1995, it would have led U.S.
PC sales. Packard Bell NEC's nine-member board of directors will include
five individuals appointed by the founding shareholders of Packard Bell, two
appointments by NEC and two appointments by Groupe Bull. The deal follows
earlier NEC investments in Packard Bell, including the assistance it provided
with a merger in February of Packard Bell and Groupe Bull's Zenith Data
Systems Inc.
CompuServe, Microsoft Set Alliance
Microsoft Corp. and CompuServe Inc. have unveiled a broad strategic and
technological alliance. Under the partnership, CompuServe will deploy
Microsoft's new platform for commercial Internet services, code-named
"Normandy," in its suite of online services, including the CompuServe
Information Service, WOW! and SPRYNET, as well as in its commercial network
and data hosting offerings.
CompuServe is the first major online provider to license Microsoft's Normandy
technologies, which are specifically designed for Internet service providers
and commercial Web publishers. Normandy provides a set of software tools
for delivering interactive services and creating, managing and distributing
content. The technologies licensed by CompuServe include the major
components needed to run a commercial fee-based service, including mail,
forum areas, chat, news, indexing and other content-management services.
By taking advantage of externally developed technologies such as the Normandy
platform, CompuServe says it will be able to decrease time to market,
significantly cut development costs and more effectively deliver
leading-edge information products and services to its members. The alliance
will also make access to the CompuServe Information Service and WOW! service
more easily available to Windows 95 users. Microsoft
will include icons for the services in a folder on the Windows 95 desktop.
Additionally, CompuServe says it will reinforce its commitment to market,
promote and distribute Microsoft Internet Explorer as its primary browser
for CompuServe online services, including CompuServe Information Service,
WOW! and other customized branded services. Microsoft Internet Explorer will
be the default Web browser distributed on the installation CDs for the
CompuServe Information Service and WOW! as well as in CompuServe's packaged
software offerings.
"Easy access to CompuServe services in Windows 95 adds tremendous value for
users of our operating system," says Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and
CEO. "As the primary browser for CompuServe, Microsoft Internet Explorer
provides a rich and interactive browsing experience for CompuServe users."
"Microsoft will implement icons within a desktop folder that can connect
users to the CompuServe Information Service and WOW! This is a significant
opportunity for us to expand distribution channels and be part of the most
successful desktop operating system in the world," adds Bob Massey,
CompuServe's president and CEO.
Wall St. Wondering at Wired IPO
As Wired Magazine prepares for its initial public offering on the stock
market, the Wall Street Journal wonders out loud whether it will be "the
latest sign that the hype about the future of Internet-related companies
continues to far outrace reality." Wired Ventures Inc., publisher of the
hot, hip computer magazine, is set to offer 6.3 million shares -- 17 percent
of the company -- at $12 each, valuing the company at $450 million.
"The company has ambitious plans to become a cyberspace media empire,"
Journal reporter G. Pascal Zachary writes this morning, "with Wired as its
print vehicle, online offerings and its own search engine for combining the
Internet's vast amounts of information. ... But Wired Ventures has never
turned a profit." The paper notes that in a recent filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Wired disclosed it lost $3.4 million on
sales of $7.6 million in the first quarter. A year earlier, the company lost
$6.5 million on sales of $25.3 million.
"Moreover," adds Zachary, "many other companies have targeted, or are
planning to target, some of the same cyber-markets Wired Ventures is going
after." In addition, the paper says, questions remain about "what kind of
business model can produce profits for companies hoping to capitalize on the
so-called new media of the digital age. To some degree, Wired Ventures' high
expected valuation reflects seemingly insatiable investor appetite for
Internet IPOs, which has driven stocks of many obscure and small companies to
towering levels recently."
Still, says the paper, Wired's flagship magazine, launched in 1993, remains
"the most recognizable publication in the world devoted to the latest
advances in computing and the culture that these innovations have spawned."
It remains to be seen if success in print -- circulation is 300,000 and
growing -- translates into success in electronic media.
The Journal quotes the SEC filing as saying the offering is expected to raise
$75.9 million. "It will make paper millionaires out of some computer
journalists and pundits," says the paper. "Founder and Chief Executive
Officer Louis Rossetto will have a stake valued at $71.3 million, while
computer visionary Nicholas Negroponte will see his stake valued at $29
million."
Disk Drive Market to Rise 13.5%
Researchers are projecting worldwide shipments of floppy disk drives will
jump 13.5 percent year-on-year to 92.2 million units in 1996, helped by
strong PC sales forecasts. Reporting from experts at the San Jose,
California, headquarters of market research firm Dataquest, the Reuter News
Service cites "the enormous installed base of flexible disk drives, its
virtually universal acceptance as a standard item on PCs and the fact factory
prices are under $20" as factors in the market's success.
Dataquest Vice President Phil Devin, chief of the firm's computer storage
unit, says the market outstrips sales of PCs in strict unit volume, adding,
"The floppy drive market continues to exceed that of the total computer
market by as many as 20 million units annually, indicating some degree of
multiple drive use and a continuing replacement or upgrade market."
Reuters says the major vendors remain fairly constant, with TEAC Corp. moving
into first place, increasing its estimated market share to 19.3 percent in
1995, compared with 16.8 million in 1994. Mitsumi slipped to second place,
selling an estimated 14.3 million units in 1995 for a 17.6 percent market
share, slightly below its 18 percent in 1994. Seiko Epson gained share to
11.2 percent from 9.7 percent, and Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co.'s
Panasonic upped its share to 10.5 percent from 9.9 percent. Sony Corp.'s
share slid to 10.1 percent from 11.9 percent. Reuters adds the total market
grew to an estimated 81.2 million units in 1995 from 75.2 million a year
earlier.
PC World Cracks RAM Scam
A group of mail-order companies that buy and sell RAM are ripping off
consumers, suppliers and banks, with losses totaling $1 million, reports PC
World. The publication investigated nearly 40 complaints made in the past
year against five mail-order memory brokers located in Southern California
and Nevada. Consumers alleged that the companies accepted payment or trade-
ins and delivered defective products -- or nothing at all.
The firms, including Nevada Computer, Windows Memory Corporation, Advanced
Micro Solutions, California Memories Plus and Pacific Coast Micro, have
failed, leaving banks, suppliers and customers in the lurch. PC World says
all the firms can be traced back to one man: Don Royal Smith, now under
investigation by the U.S. Secret Service. PC World also uncovered several
new mail-order firms being operated by Smith, his familyand former employees.
The firms follow similar patterns, notes PC World. They take out ads in
computer magazines (including PC World), buy supplies, and set up shop.
Some consumers receive products as promised, others don't. When people
complain, the firms relocate, change names, switch owners or shut down.
Sometimes the new owners are the same people using different names.
According to PC World, Smith and his associates buy companies with solid
reputations, transfer control of the firms between family members and use
front people to disguise ownership. One source interviewed by PC
Worldreporters estimates that Don Royal Smith alone has started about 25
companies in the past 15 years. Another source called Smith and his
partners, "The godfathers of the industry."
PC World suggests consumers take the following steps when ordering computer
products by mail:
ú Check with the Better Business Bureau. But remember that this is most
helpful with established companies; new firms may have no track records.
Don't assume that no news is good news.
ú Try and verify that the equipment is new.
ú Request written verification of your order. This will save you the
hassle of shipping back an incorrect product, and provides you with
documentation should the company go out of business. Note who you talked to,
and what you were promised by whom at the time of ordering.
ú Pay with a credit card. With a credit card you can usually get your
money back by canceling the charges; if you pay by cash or check, you might
get stuck.
FTC Warns of New Net Scam Threat
The Federal Trade Commission says scam artists, already skilled at ripping
off consumers through telephone fraud, soon may stalk new victims over the
Internet. In a report titled "Consumer Protection Policy in the New High-
Tech, Global Marketplace," the FTC says the Net offers crooks advantages such
as anonymity and cheap startup costs, making it tougher for law enforcement
officials to track down con artists in cyberspace, adding,
"Fraudulent marketers will continue to use the telephone, but they soon may
gravitate to the Internet in large numbers."
The Reuter News Service says the report adds that in general new technologies
involving telephones, television and computers will give consumers access to
unlimited amounts of information and other benefits. But they also offer
fertile ground for old-fashioned scams. "There is no sign," says the report,
"that low-tech scams will go away and strong evidence that 'next-tech' scams
will increase and be more difficult to detect and track across international
borders. Law enforcement agencies must work harder, smarter and in concert to
maximize the impact of their limited resources."
Reuters reports the FTC is reviewing its regulations "to assure that they are
well-suited to the new global marketplace," the commission says. As
reported earlier, the FTC recently halted an illegal pyramid scheme on the
Internet that bilked thousands of investors out of more than than $6 million.
Reuters says that was the 12th and largest case pursued by the FTC against
fraud on the Internet, a network of more than 60,000 computer networks in
more than 90 countries.
Hatch Proposes Cyberporn Bill
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is proposing a bill he says will combat computer-
aided child pornography. Reporting from yesterday's hearing of the Senate
Judiciary Committee Hatch heads, Associated Press writer Marcy Gordon says
the legislation (S. 1237), which also is supported by key Senate Democrats as
well as the Clinton administration, would:
ú Protect federal, state and local governments and law enforcement
officials from civil lawsuits resulting from searches and seizures in child
pornography and exploitation cases.
ú Establish a federal legal definition of child pornography that includes
computer-generated material not using actual children, including "morphing"
technology.
Says Gordon, "Hatch stressed that the bill does not propose new restrictions
regarding the Internet and is targeted instead at use of computers to alter
sexually explicit photographs, films and videos in ways that make it
difficult for prosecutors to prove that the material was produced using
children." However, Judith Krug, director of the American Library
Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, testified that the nation's
librarians "are deeply concerned by this bill because we offer a broad range
of visual materials that might be affected."
Viruses Still Proliferating
From a handful of computer viruses in 1989, the worldwide count has now
surged to 9,000, report the experts at Dr. Solomon's Software Inc., an anti-
virus software publisher. The experts warn that 150 to 200 new viruses are
appearing each month, adding that the large-scale proliferation of viruses
increases the likelihood of virus attack and the potential for data loss or
computer damage. According to Dr. Solomon's, the three most common types of
computer viruses are boot sector, file and macro-file codes.
"Computer viruses can threaten the integrity of systems and data," says Rick
Haigis, Dr. Solomon's vice president of North American marketing. "The rapid
growth of computer viruses coupled with ever-increasing communication and
file sharing abilities means that computer users need to be more careful than
ever." According to Dr. Solomon's, the five most common computer viruses in
circulation are:
ú Concept, a macro-file virus that infects Microsoft Word documents. It
infects the NORMAL.DOT template, which is the default document form. Each
time a user selects the File/Save As command, the virus infects the document.
ú Empire.Monkey, a boot sector virus that encrypts a critical area of a
user's hard disk.
ú AntiCMOS, a boot sector virus, attempts to modify the computer's
configuration information, CMOS.
ú Antiexe, a boot sector virus, infects computers when users start the
computer from a floppy disk. Antiexe infects a program's "start" file, which
causes unpredictable errors. In most cases, the computer hangs.
ú Form, a boot sector virus that infects computers when users start up
from a floppy disk. Then, on the 18th day of each month, the keyboard makes a
beeping noise for every key typed.
Single 'SOHO' Market a Myth?
The existence of a single SOHO (small office/home office) market is a myth,
according to new research from Computer Intelligence InfoCorp. CII reports
that technology use in the home-based businesses of self-employed
individuals differs from that used in small businesses (1-19 employees) and
from consumer use. The researcher also notes that self-employed people tend
to use a wider variety of software, and to spend more time on the Internet.
"There really isn't a single consistent 'SOHO' or small office/home office
marketplace," says Dave Tremblay, senior industry analyst at CII. "The self-
employed constitute a distinct segment that has some similarities with each
of the other two, but also important differences. For example, says CII,
Packard Bell was the number-one brand choice for PC purchases in 1995 for
both the home and the self-employed segments, while for small enterprises
Packard Bell ranked third, behind IBM and Gateway 2000.
According to CII, self-employed people are automating their businesses at an
increasing rate. The percentage of first-time PC buyers has been going up,
from 32 percent of the PCs acquired by self-employed individualsin 1993 to 35
percent in 1995 -- the opposite of the trend seen in the home segment, where
first-time percentages have declined from 48 percent to 43 percent over the
same period. Additionally, says CII, self-employed people spend more for
their PCs. More than half of the PCs acquired by the self-employed in 1995
cost $2,000 or more, and a mere 7 percent were acquired for less than $500.
By comparison, only 46 percent of home users spent more than $2,000, and 18
percent spent under $500.
Additionally, according to CII, the self-employed are much heavier users of
online services and the Internet than small business PC users. Nearly one of
three self-employed PC users connects to at least one online service -- that
is two-and-a-half times the rate in small enterprises. About one in four self-
employed PCs connects to the Internet, which is about three times the rate
of small business PCs. On average, self-employed people use about 6.5 types
of software, nearly one-third more than the number of types used by small
business users. Not surprisingly, word processing software is the most common
type of software used by both groups, and spreadsheets are next. However,
there are some differences in profile. Self-employed users are somewhat more
likely to use desktop publishing software, for example. More notably, self-
employed users are much more likely to use home-oriented types of software
such as personal finance, entertainment and education. This clearly reflects
the fact that the majority of the self-employed are located at home, where
their PCs see use as home/family machines in addition to being used for
business.
Although the self-employed use more types of software, CII's data indicates
that they don't use their PCs as much as people in small businesses. More
than a third of small- enterprise users said that they use their PCs 30 or
more hours per week, compared with 21 percent of self-employed users. "This
doesn't come as a surprise," says Tremblay. "It's a situation where the
self-employed have to be more self-reliant. Their businesses' demands may
be more diverse, and may not require using a PC."
EDITOR NOTE
You simply have to LOVE "important sounding" but less than totally
accurate demographic studies. They're so full of it! I imagine I'm a MYTH.
I am part of the SOHO. I use the computers in this installation at least 50 -
60 hours per week. I was NEVER approached by anyone doing any sort of a
study. Yet I'm registered far and wide as who and what I do and am.
Clark Calls Net Death 'Ludicrous'
The Internet is not dead, says Netscape Communications Corp. Chairman Jim
Clark. It's not even sleeping. On the contrary, he says, the Net is the
future of communications. Speaking to a standing-room-only audience at this
week's Comdex computer trade show in Chicago, Clark added, "I personally
think it's ludicrous to say the Internet is going away. In fact, I think
it's so pervasive that there may not even be conferences about it, just like
there aren't about telephones."
The Reuter News Service notes Clark's comments came in response to a recent
editorial in a trade magazine that warned of a decline of the Internet.
However, Clark said the Net effectively will take the place of the telephone,
with travel plans, catalog orders all being done via the World Wide Web.
Added Clark, "I've been talking to the telecoms over the last few years
trying to get them to embrace the Internet because that is the future of all
communication -- and I really believe that."
Clark added, though, that Netscape sees the technology of "intranet" - an
organization's internal computer network, built on Internet protocols and
linked to the worldwide network -- as a key to its own business. "A lot of
our focus," he said, "has been on intranet because that's where the money
is." To enterprises setting up their own networks he stressed the need for
open systems. As reported, Sun Microsystems Inc., IBM, Oracle Corp. and
Netscape recently announced an effort to define open software standard based
on the Internet TCP/IP protocol.
Micron Seeks Dumping Review
Boise, Idaho, chipmaker Micron Technology Inc. has filed a request with the
U.S. Commerce Department seeking to expedite the annual review of alleged
dumping of DRAM chips by Hyundai Electronic Industries and LG Semicon in the
U.S. market. According to United Press International, Micron accuses the
Korean companies of selling the dynamic random access chips at below
production costs.
UPI notes spot market prices for the 16-megabit DRAM have plunged to below
$15 from $50 six months ago. At current levels, analysts have said,
companies could lose money on a product that was highly profitable a few
months ago. Micron filed an antidumping suit several years ago against the
three Korean manufacturers and small tariffs were imposed on Korean chips
imported into the U.S. market as a result. Samsung was not included in
Micron's filing last week.
Micron Chairman/President/CEO Steve Appleton told the wire service, "These
companies have previously violated U.S. trade laws, and there are active
penalty provisions to deal with it. Prices have been dropping veryrapidly,
and we have asked the Department of Commerce to take immediate and decisive
action by doing a quick review of the amount of dumping now occurring. We
have strong evidence that Hyundai and LG Semicon have once again chosen to
sell below production costs."
Court to Rule on Software Tax
The state of Florida has been sued by several major technology firms in a bid
to block property tax levies on their software. This opens the door for the
courts to wrangle over whether computer programs are intellectualor tangible
property. The Airbus Industrie unit Airbus Service Co. initially sued in
Miami to block a Dade County property tax bill for a program used to run
flight simulators for commercial pilot training. Lockheed Martin Corp. and
General Electric Co. jointly sued to block Volusia County property tax bills
on similar equipment that GE sold to Lockheed Martin.
Meanwhile, Encore Computer Corp. has a similar suit pending in Fort
Lauderdale against a Broward County tax assessment. Reporter Jane Sutton of
the Reuter News Service quotes attorney Mark Holcomb, representing
plaintiffs, as saying the bills involve "hundreds of thousands of dollars."
"Some assert that software is taxble; many do not," Holcomb commented.
"Even those who assert that software is taxable have no commonly accepted
rationale that apply."
Meanwhile, Florida Department of Revenue spokeswoman Donna O'Neal told the
wire service, "There are no rules or state guidelines addressing the issue."
Reuters notes the Florida Legislature failed during its 1996 session to
enact bills that would have clarified the issue. It notes other states that
have addressed the issue have come up with "a hodgepodge of approaches." For
instance:
ú Colorado and Mississippi exempt all software from property taxes.
ú California taxes only basic operating programs needed to run a system.
ú Idaho taxes mass-produced or "canned" software but not customized
programs.
ú Virginia taxes operating software but not applications software.
ú Washington taxes embedded software that is an integral part of the
computer but exempts some other software and only taxes "canned" software for
two years.
ú North Carolina exempts all software except embedded software and that is
only taxed if it is capitalized on the taxpayer's books.
As reported, Florida also is debating whether Internet services should be
subject to sales taxes. The business lobby group Associated Industries
contends that would be double taxation, since Internet users already pay
taxes on the telephone services they use to access the Internet.
Dems Protest GOP Web Wrangle
Democrats are crying foul because of a new policy that requires anyone
wanting to find certain party views on the World Wide Web to travel through
Republican territory. Associated Press writer Laura Meckler notes that
until now Web pages produced by Republican and Democratic staffs of House
committees were all accessible from the main menu on the House's Web page.
"No more," she reports. Now users "will find Democratic committee pages
listed only on the committee's main page, which like the committees
themselves are controlled by Republicans." Rep. Vic Fazio, D-Calif., the top
Democrat on the Oversight Committee, told the wire service, "What we're
talking about is an attempt to control the minority's communications with the
American people. There is absolutely no reason that the majority should
control information freely disseminated over the Internet."
Fazio says that to access Democratic views, Web surfers may have to scroll
through Republican rhetoric and a large photograph of the Republican
chairman. Also, if Republicans on a particular committee decide not to have
a Web site at all, Democrats can't have one either. "If a chairman doesn't
like the contents of the minority's Web page," Fazio says, "he could simply
decide not to have a Web page at all." AP notes a few committees currently
have Democratic pages but no Republican pages. If a committee chairman wants
to, he could kill the Democratic page until there's a GOP counterpart, said
Bill Pierce, spokesman for the Oversight Committee. "The old policy gave
each side disk space to produce Web pages but did not regulate how they are
accessed," says Meckler. "Republicans explain that the party in power
controls all committee activities and should control this as well.
They note that all members use the same committee stationery, which
highlights Republicans." According to minutes of a May 23 meeting where this
was discussed, Oversight Chairman Bill Thomas, R-Calif., commented, "We are
not going to enter a whole new relationship with the Internet, which is
simply an additional way of communicating. Committee activities are under the
control of the chairman of the committee."
Democrats contend the Net is more like a press release, which they can
distribute on their own.
In a May 28 memo, Martha Coven of the House Democratic Policy Committee wrote
her party's deepest concern is that this is a first step toward Republican
control of content, adding, "It is even possible that committee chairmen may
interpret the new policy to mean that they have direct control -- or veto
power -- over the information that the minority chooses to post on its Web
page." But Pierce, the Oversight Committee spokesman, says there's no
chance of that, that "it has nothing to do with content." The House of
Representatives' page on the Internet is located at Web address
http://www.house.gov/.
Vietnam Issues Net Regulations
Vietnam has issued regulations requiring Internet service providers and their
customers to be licensed by the government, giving the government broad
powers to shut down any services deemed harmful to nationalinterests.
Reporting from Hanoi, The Associated Press says the new guidelines also
require service providers to agree to government inspections and absolutely
obey the government's decisions on mobilizing parts of or the entire network
for its own use."
AP notes Vietnam has several tiny email networks with Internet links, serving
mainly government officials, universities and foreign aid organizations, but
anyone wanting to connect with the World Wide Web or international chat
groups must dial servers outside the country. "The state telecommunications
company, Vietnam Datacommunications, has the equipment to establish a full-
fledged Internet link," says the wire service, "but is waiting for the final
regulations before starting service."
Corel Corporation Ships Two New Just In Time LearningT Products
Ottawa, Canada - June 6, 1996 - Corel Corporation has begun shipping
Learning CorelDRAWT 3 and Learning CorelDRAWT 6, the latest in its CD HOME
line of titles developed by JIT Learning Products Inc. These fully
comprehensive training courses guide the user step by step through the tools
and functions of each software package. Benefits include learning the
equivalent of two full days of classroom training at your own pace and an
easy-to-use topic map that navigates the user through each program. Users
will also be able to quickly practice what they have learned by simply
clicking on the link to CorelDRAW, provided it has been installed, at any
time during the tutorial. Both CDs carry a suggested list price of $24.95 US.
"Both versions of Learning CorelDRAW are easy, interactive reference tools
that will teach users how to create any number of professional-looking
projects," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and chief executive officer
of Corel Corporation. "The JIT feature offering additional instruction on
functions, tasks and tools will help users become CorelDRAW experts in no
time."
Unique tips and tricks, in-depth details on all CorelDRAW 3 and CorelDRAW 6
tools, as well as VCR-style controls which pause, repeat or skip over parts
of each of the seven interactive projects will allow users to explore topics
at their own pace and guide them quickly through the functions of these award-
winning graphics packages.
Modules for Learning CorelDRAWT 3 include:
Getting Started: Run through an introduction to JIT and an overview of the
projects. Learn how to launch CorelDRAW 3, set preferences, use the control
panel and navigate the tips and tricks.
ú Browse: Click on any part of a mock page to launch pop-up boxes with
indepth explanations of all the tools.
ú Greeting Card: Learn the basic tools of creating a mock-up, setting up a
document, importing, resizing and repositioning clipart, as well as creating,
formating and rotating text.
ú Logo: Import and edit a symbol; break apart, then colour and group
items; and kern text to fit curve.
ú Business Card: Create a customized size, align multiple cards and set up
crop marks for printing.
ú Fax Sheet: Insert a special character, import and resize a bitmap
graphic, and blend objects.
ú Org Chart: Learn to set up a grid, draw a rounded rectangle, create a
drop shadow, and space and duplicate a row of rectangles.
ú Presentation: Create distinctive borders and backgrounds, and shape text
around a graphic.
ú Brochure: Design elements such as folded panels, headings, and
illustrations, while creating and adding embossed text and a fill-in form.
Learning CorelDRAWT 6
Learning CorelDRAW 6 runs the user through more advanced projects in all of
the same categories as CorelDRAW 3, but Browse is replaced by What's New. A
total of 33 new and improved features, from right-clicking to wizards to the
redraw and spiral tool, are listed. The user need only select a topic and
click for a full demonstration of the most helpful features.
System Requirements
System requirements for both CDs include Windows 3.1x, MS-DOS 5.0 or Windows
95, a 486 33, 8 MB of RAM, 640x480, 256 color graphics display, 8-bit audio
capabilities, and a double-speed CD-ROM drive.
Corel has teamed up with JIT Learning Products Inc. to give consumers the
most effective multimedia training available by distributing JIT's learning
products line on CD-ROM. Other JIT learning products to be released as part
of the CD HOME line of titles include Learning CorelDRAWT 4 and 5 and
Learning the Internet. Corel's CD HOME series consists of reference,
education, entertainment, personal productivity, and games titles for all
ages.
JIT Learning Products Inc.
JIT Learning Products Inc. is focused on delivering highly effective, fully
interactive multimedia training products to computer users around the world.
JIT's approach is so unique that it was selected as one of 150 examples
worldwide of exemplary technology at the recent G7 Summit Conferences on the
Information Society in Brussels and in Halifax. The company was founded in
1994 and has a staff of over 20 highly trained and experienced production and
marketing professionals.
Corel Takes a Medieval Journey With New CD Home Title
Ottawa, Canada - June 6, 1996 -- Corel Corporation has begun shipping
Nikolai in Time: In the Time of the KnightsT, the latest in the imaginative
adventures of NikolaiT and his toy cat Neow-NeowT. Following their previous
adventures in Nikolai's TrainsT and NN'n N Toy MakersT, the two friends take
a journey through time to a magical, medieval land. This "mixed-mode" CD-ROM
not only runs on Windowsr 3.1x, Windowsr 95 and Macintoshr, but also on the
home stereo - it is one of the first children's titles to present its 12
original soundtrack compositions as audio tracks that can be played on any
audio CD player.
Nikolai in Time: In the Time of the Knights is shipping now and carries a
suggested list price of $59.95 US. It is designed for children aged four to
10 and features 17 full color, interactive storybook pages as well as various
educational tools -- a click on any word will elicit the correct
pronunciation. In addition, children may choose to either have the story
read to them in full by the narrator or to explore each page at their own
pace.
"Nikolai in Time: In the Time of the Knights is really three interactive
storybooks in one," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and chief executive
officer of Corel Corporation. "Children may choose to explore three different
tales -- the Battle, the Joust or the Quest -- all of which will offer hours
of entertainment."
Some of the over 20 interactive hot spots per page lead to jesters dancing
for the court, musicians playing a tune and knights in shining armor racing
recklessly across the horizon. Other hot spots lead to quick, medieval
history lessons and historically-based activities where children can design
and print their own coat-of arms or compose tunes with on-screen medieval
instruments.
Development and System Requirements
Nikolai in Time: In the Time of the Knights was developed for Corel by
Toronto-based ABCD's, a division of I. Hoffmann + Associates Inc. Windows
users will require a minimum of an IBM PC or compatible 486 33, Windows 3.1x,
MS DOS 5.0, 8 MB of RAM, a double-speed CD-ROM drive and an 8-bit Sound
Blaster or 100 percent compatible sound card. Macintosh users will need a
minimum of a Macintosh LCIII, System 7.1 with Sound Manager, 8 MB of RAM and
a double-speed CD-ROM drive.
Corelr Ships Corel WordPerfectr Suite 7 for Windowsr 95
OREM, Utah - May 29, 1996 - Corelr Corporation and its subsidiaries today
began shipping Corelr WordPerfectr Suite 7 for Windowsr 95. This 32-bit
version of the award-winning Corel WordPerfect Suite puts the Internet to
work while tightly integrating Corelr WordPerfectr 7, Corelr Quattror Pro 7,
and Corelr PresentationsT 7. Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 takes advantage of
Windows 95 with 32-bit applications and enables users to finish faster and
work smarter with improved output.
"Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 redefines the "office suite" by
including integrated best-of-breed graphics and Internet power as well as
standard office applications," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and chief
executive officer of Corel Corporation. "We listened to our customer base
when they asked for more choice, more power and easy access to the Internet.
Corel WordPerfect Suite makes the most of Windows 95 by enabling users to
finish faster with less effort while putting the Internet to work. We are
very pleased with the early response."
Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 goes beyond traditional suites by
setting a new standard in Internet connectivity-a standard illustrated by
industry acclaim since its release this quarter. The June 1996 issue of Home
Office ComputingT awarded Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95-4 out of 5
stars and a "Best Buy Award" with these words, "Feature for feature, the new
Corel Suite outperforms its competitors." Government Computer NewsT recently
named Corel WordPerfect Suite the "Best New Product" at their April awards
gala in Washington, D.C. while the May issue of Computer ShopperT declared
that, "The forthcoming Corel Office Professional for Windows 95 offers a set
of the most advanced PC applications available, together with the integration
and consistency once possible only in underpowered, all-in-one packages for
beginners." The March 18, 1996 edition of InfoWorldT goes one step further
to say, "Now it's Microsoft's turn to play catch-up."
Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 includes the following full-featured
applications:
ú Corelr WordPerfectr 7: Innovative key features such as Guidelines, Make
It FitT and Spell-As-You-GoT as well as Internet capabilities, continue to
make this the word processor of choice.
ú Corelr Quattror Pro 7: This award-winning spreadsheet contains new
chart styles, a new mapping feature, QuickTemplates, Internet connectivity,
and right mouse-button support for fast access to formatting options.
ú Corelr PresentationsT 7: This presentations graphics program includes
the ability to move from a slide to an Internet site or to other slides with
a single click, as well as the ability to convert slide shows to HTML format,
and the option to combine multiple backgrounds, graphics, text, video and
sound within one presentation.
ú EnvoyT 7: The perfect workgroup electronic publishing tool for CD-ROM
and the Internet.
ú AT&T's WorldNet Service software including Netscape NavigatorT 2.01
Internet Browser: Obtain access to the Internet with a premium service
provider and best-of-breed Internet browser.
ú CorelFLOWT 3: Powerful business graphics.
ú Starfish Software's SidekickT 95: The most popular personal information
manager and scheduler.
ú Starfish Software's DashboardT 95: Integrated application and task-
automation launcher, as well as a Windows 95 system performance monitor.
ú DAD: Desktop Application Director
ú QuickView PlusT: View over 200 file formats quickly and easily.
ú IBMr VoiceTypeT Control: Use a microphone and your voice to navigate
and activate each core application's graphic user interface.
ú 150 top quality fonts
ú 10,000+ clip art images
Making the Most of Windowsr 95
Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 makes the most of 32-bit power with
more core application integration (Corel WordPerfect 7, Corel Quattro Pro 7,
and Corel Presentations 7) than any other suite. All Corel WordPerfect Suite
7 core applications offer performance improvements and increased multi-
tasking-plus features like:
1. File/macro conversion
2. Common address book
3. Integrated Speller, Grammatikr and Thesaurus
4. Simultaneous task performance with multi-tasking support
5. Simultaneous program function with multi-threading support
6. Long file name support, tabbed dialogs and drag and drop
7. Drag and drop to task bar
8. Extensive right mouse button support
9. File and property viewing from desktop
10. An Open dialog with more functionality than Windows Explorer
11. QuickFinderT indexing technology integration into Windows 95 shell
12. View over 200 file formats from the Windows 95 shell with QuickView
PlusT
All are integrated with full OLE 2 and OLE automation support as well as
support for the Windows 95 registry.
Putting the Internet to Work
Access to the Internet has never been simpler or easier with AT&T's WorldNet
Service software including Netscape NavigatorT 2.01 Internet Browser. Online
assistance is available directly from Help menus in any application with one
click. Other features include:
ú Internet links to link information directly to Corel WordPerfect Suite 7
documents through URL cell support.
ú Import and export to and from HTML in Corel WordPerfect 7, Corel Quattro
Pro 7
ú and Corel Presentations 7.
ú EnvoyT 7 electronic publishing solution for sharing Internet documents
with all fonts, graphics and formatting intact.
ú QuickConnectT instantly connects users to Bookmarks in Netscape
NavigatorT 2.01 or favorite places in America Onliner, CompuServer or
Microsoftr Network.
ú Envoy 7 document viewing directly from Internet browser.
ú Create web-ready Corel WordPerfect documents that can be directly
exported to HTML.
Finish Faster with Less Effort
Learn faster and easier in Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 with
similar toolbars plus:
ú Spell-As-You-GoT
ú Ask the PerfectExpertT for help in your own words
ú QuickMenuT instant option menus
ú Improved QuickFinderT to rapidly access files
ú Integrated Speller, Grammatikr and Thesaurus
ú PerfectSenseT improved writing technology
ú QuickTasksT for instant automation of 60+ tasks
ú QuickCorrectT error correction as you go
ú QuickFormatT automatic document formatting
ú QuickTips online help
ú OLE Automation Interface
ú Advanced speech capabilities
Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 goes beyond the standard ease-of-use
features found in competing suites to automate entire tasks across all core
applications. QuickFormat, QuickTasks and new QuickArt let users concentrate
on the work at hand rather than applications.
Customer Support
Corel is the only software vendor to offer free, unlimited technical support
(toll charges apply) for the life of the product. The life of the product is
defined as the time period commencing when Corel last introduced the product
until 6 month after Corel stops selling the product.
Corel also offers these additional support op
tions:
ú IVAN: Corel's Interactive Voice Answering Network provides customers
with instant access to the most current product information available.
Customers can obtain this service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by calling
(801) 765-4038. (Toll charges apply)
ú Bulletin Board Service (BBS): A 24-hour product information and program
file resource that may be accessed through the following numbers: (801) 221-
5197.
ú Fax on Demand Service: Customers may obtain faxed information by calling
ú (801) 765-4037.
ú CompuServer Information Services: CompuServe subscribers can access the
Corel Technical Support forum by typing GO COREL.
ú Corel Home Page: An Internet World Wide Web site @ http://www.corel.com
or http://wordperfect.com with product information, technical documentation
and press releases.
Pricing and System Requirements
Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 requires a 486/25 processor (486/66
recommended), 8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended), VGA monitor or above and 30-220
MB of free disk space depending upon installation and configuration.
Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for Windows 95 is available for a suggested list
price of $395 US for the CD-ROM version only and $449 US for both diskette
and CD-ROM. WordPerfect users may upgrade to Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 for
Windows 95 for a suggested list price of $129 US for the CD-ROM version and
$179 US for the diskette version.
Corel Corporation
Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is recognized internationally as an
award-winning developer and marketer of productivity applications, graphics
and multimedia software. Corel's product line includes CorelDRAWT, the
Corelr WordPerfectr Suite, Corelr Office Professional, CorelVIDEOT and over
30 multimedia software titles. Corel's products run on most operating
systems, including: Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, MS-DOS and OS/2 and are
consistently rated among the strongest in the industry. The company ships
its products in over 17 languages through a network of more than 160
distributors in 70 countries worldwide. Corel is traded on the Toronto Stock
Exchange (symbol: COS) and the NASDAQ - National Market System (symbol:
COSFF). For more information visit Corel's home page on the Internet at
http://www.corel.com. Neow-Neow, Nikolai, Nikolai's Trains, NN'n N Toy Makers
and Nikolai in Time: In the Time of the Knights are trademarks of I.
Hoffmann + Associates Inc. Corel is a registered trademark of Corel
Corporation. Corel, WordPerfect, Quattro, Presentations, and CorelFLOW are
either trademarks or registered trademarks of Corel Corporation or Corel
Corporation Limited. All products and publications mentioned are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective companies and publishing houses.
EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed
Edupage
Contents
Report Opposes Administration's
Cryptography Plans
Silicon Alley Vs. Silicon Valley
Definitely Dense Data
Companies License Java Chip
Technology
OECD Report Targets Information
Technology Issues
Pippin -- From The Living Room To
The Board Room
Hybrid Modems
Gov't Stats On The Web
Dish Wars
Funds Management By Internet
NCR Makes Deal In South Korea
Intel Promotes The "Connected"
Computer
Writing Is On The Wall (Unencrypted)
GlobeSpan Speeds Up The Infobahn
Chip Wars Continue
Big Board Goes Wireless
Java Plans More Jive
Bell Atlantic Opens Its Market To
Competition
"Green" Product Design Software
OTA Reincarnated
New TV Show Targets Technology
Internet Is "Fundamental Change" In
Telecom
Technical Problems
Packard Bell Becomes Packard Bell
NEC
The Information Imperative Index
Eliminate Paper, Save Big Bucks
Voluntary Guidelines For Privacy
Protection On Net
Satellite Time Is Getting Expensive
For Schools
Yahoo! Targets Europe For Growth
Internet Banking
The UnGame
BellSouth And Time Warner Local
Phone Service Agreement
Reno Wants Protection From
Cybercrime
Satellite Dish Prices Headed Down
PC Is "Desktop Hairball"
REPORT OPPOSES ADMINISTRATION'S CRYPTOGRAPHY PLANS
Rejecting Clinton Administration arguments that law enforcement efforts would
be hampered by cryptography technology now based on a "key escrow" system
allowing the government to decode any electronic communications after
obtaining a court order, a report prepared for the National Research Council
of the National Academy of Sciences says that unbreakable cryptography would
actually help prevent crime by preventing criminals from intercepting
legitimate business transactions. The report recommends dropping steep
export controls currently placed by the government on products using the 56-
bit key Data Encryption Standard, which offers significantly greater
communications security than the 40-bit-key code that may be freely
exported. (New York Times 31 May 96 C1)
SILICON ALLEY VS. SILICON VALLEY
While California still reigns supreme as the undisputed center of the
hardware and software industries, a third high-tech market is emerging in
New York City -- the content capital of the U.S. The new media boom builds
on New York's established strength in traditional publishing, but is made up
primarily of small start-up companies that thrive on the synergy between the
old and new publishing realms. In response, Big Apple landlords are taking
notice and one apartment building now bills itself as the first housing to be
hardwired for the information revolution, providing built-in computer
networking and high-speed Internet access for every tenant. (The Economist
25 May 96 p90)
DEFINITELY DENSE DATA
Templex Technology Corp. is claiming a world record in data-storage density,
using a yttrium aluminum garnet crystal treated with billions of ions from
the rare-earth mineral thulium. The result is a crystal that theoretically
can store up to 1 million bits of data, although in practice it's produced a
density of only 8 gigabits per square inch so far. Still, Templex
researchers note that that's six times the storage capacity of IBM's latest
magnetic disk drive. (Business Week 3 Jun 96 p123)
COMPANIES LICENSE JAVA CHIP TECHNOLOGY
LG Semicon, Ltd., a Mitsubishi Electronics unit, NEC Corp., and Samsung
Electronic Co. have agreed to license the technology for manufacturing Java
semiconductor chips from Sun Microsystems. The companies will then use the
chips in their own consumer devices and cellular phones. In addition to
these four, Rockwell International Corp. plans to use Java chips in guidance
systems and Xerox will incorporate the chips in its automated office
systems. Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy says this latest move takes Sun
from the "sports utility vehicle" level (large workstations) to "the
passenger-car unit market." (Investor's Business Daily 31 May 96 A13)
OECD REPORT TARGETS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
A report recently released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development calls on member governments to support the principle of
competition across various markets in the information sector, and to reduce
national barriers preventing the diffusion of information technology across
borders while respecting the importance of intellectual property rights.
"There are few matters that can slow or distort the emerging global
information society and create transnational frictions more than issues of
security, privacy and intellectual property, including copyrights," says the
report. It calls for convening an international conference to coordinate
activities in cryptography and the protection of intellectual property, and
to discuss issues such as jurisdiction in cyberspace, and the importance of
maintaining linguistic and cultural diversity. (BNA Daily Report for
Executives 28 May 96 A2)
PIPPIN -- FROM THE LIVING ROOM TO THE BOARD ROOM
Apple Pippin licensee Bandai Co. will use Pippin technology to develop
corporate systems for a large travel company, and TRW Inc. is testing a
Bandai-made Pippin for use in corporate training. Like the network
computers being touted by Oracle, Pippin features a low-cost, low-memory
system to access information rather than create it. Unlike the NCs, Pippin
also includes a CD-ROM to speed up multimedia applications. Apple predicts
more major licensees soon: "This is going to have a meaningful impact on our
bottom line," says Pippin's marketing manager. (Information Week 27 May 96
p28)
HYBRID MODEMS
Cable modems that offer a slower return path via a telephone line are
offering smaller cable operators a way to provide cable modem service
without investing in the costly upgrades necessary to turn their cable into a
two- way transmission system. "Now they're realizing this is a business for
them to get into. They're finding they don't have to wait for a two-way
plant," says a Zenith Electronics product manager. The boxes could go for as
low as $250, about half that of current cable modems. (Broadcasting & Cable
27 May 96 p44)
GOV'T STATS ON THE WEB
If you're looking for quick access to statistical data on U.S. income,
employment, education, health or crime, the White House's Web site features
a "Federal Statistics Briefing Room" and a "Social Statistics Briefing Room."
The site provides one-stop-shopping for data located on various government
computers.
< http://www.whitehouse.gov/fsbr/ > (Chronicle of Higher Education 31 May 96
A15)
DISH WARS
A group of Canadian broadcasting and satellite firms say they will sue
Thomson Consumer Electronics Canada if it carries out plans to sell its RCA
satellite dishes in Canada. At issue: Canadian companies hold the Canadian
rights to programming that is being distributed by American satellite to
Canadian consumers by companies that do not have licenses for the Canadian
rights. (Toronto Globe & Mail 31 May 96 B1)
FUNDS MANAGEMENT BY INTERNET
Later this year retirement savings programs such as Fidelity, TIAA-CREF, and
Cigna will be allowing individuals to manage their investments and transact
loans and withdrawals over the Internet. (USA Today 31 May 96 1A)
NCR MAKES DEAL IN SOUTH KOREA
NCR will allow Korean manufacturers Samsung and Hyundai to build high-speed
"massively parallel" computers based on NCR designs and to sell them
everywhere in the world except for established markets (U.S., Western
Europe, Japan, and Australia). By using large numbers of low-cost microchips
working simultaneously on different parts of a computation, massively
parallel computers are able to achieve mainframe or supercomputer power.
(Wall Street Journal 31 May 96 B5)
INTEL PROMOTES THE "CONNECTED" COMPUTER
Intel chief executive Andy Grove says the company's strategy is now built
around the "connected computer" that facilitates integration of software and
data stored locally with that downloaded from the network. Intel's next
generation of microchips will emphasize Multimedia Extensions (MMX) to
enhance audio, graphics, imaging and video. (Computer Industry Daily 3 June
96)
WRITING IS ON THE WALL (UNENCRYPTED)
The Japanese company Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation (NTT) has begun
selling a two-chip set containing encryption technology that is far more
powerful than the "Clipper Chip" technology favored by the Clinton
Administration, which wants to make it possible for law enforcement agencies
to conduct wiretaps providing they have court-ordered warrants. The NTT
chips have no such provision. The chief executive of RSA Data Security, a
California company negotiating with NTT to resell the chips in the U.S.,
says: "If there is anyone in the government who hasn't already seen the
writing on the wall, here it is." (New York Times 4 Jun 96 C1)
GLOBESPAN SPEEDS UP THE INFOBAHN
A new type of modem that incorporates AT&T Paradyne's GlobeSpan technology
will soon make it possible to access the Internet at speeds 200 times faster
than a conventional 28.8 modem. GlobeSpan Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber
Line technology can accommodate video phone calls, simultaneous calls by
different family members, or movies, all over existing twisted pair phone
lines. AT&T expects to have RADSL fully developed by November, and
manufacturers should be ready to sell the gadgetry to telephone companies
sometime in 1997. And though the phone companies are touting the benefits of
ISDN now, the simplicity of RADSL technology has distinct advantages -- it
doesn't require a separate phone line, nor does it burden telephone company
switching equipment. (Tampa Tribune 4 Jun 96 B&F1)
CHIP WARS CONTINUE
Texas Instruments says it will begin manufacturing a chip next year that will
be 20 times more powerful than today's Pentium Pro chip from Intel. The new
chips will be used in automatic teller machines that can recognize a user's
face, wristwatch PCs, or laptop computers with longer memory life. TI's
TImeline chip- making process will pack 125-million transistors onto a single
chip, beating LSI Logic's prediction that it soon will make a 49-million
transistor chip. "What they announced is no different from where every
semiconductor company is headed toward," says an industry analyst. "The
question is, is there some reason to believe they can do it faster than
their competitors?" (St. Petersburg Times 3 Jun 96 p8)
BIG BOARD GOES WIRELESS
The New York Stock Exchange is completing a $125 million technology overhaul
that will allow its 1,400 brokers to use wireless hand-held computers to
communicate from the trading floor. The much smaller American Stock
Exchange currently uses similar technology for about 100 options brokers and
plans to expand the wireless option to equities traders next year. (Wall
Street Journal 3 Jun 96 A9C)
JAVA PLANS MORE JIVE
"Java will become the universal language of Internet computing," says an
analyst with Forrester Research. "Users have discovered Java, and Java is
perceived as mature. In the information technology industry, perception is
reality." A Forrester survey of 50 companies shows most of them already
using Java, and 42% said the software will take on strategic importance in
their businesses within a year. Forrester predicts that by the end of next
year, Java will have been used to create at least 60% of the programs running
on the Internet. (Investor's Business Daily 4 Jun 96 A8)
BELL ATLANTIC OPENS ITS MARKET TO COMPETITION
The Bell Atlantic regional telephone company is allowing the cable company
Jones Intercable Inc. to connect to the Bell phone network in Virginia; by
showing the Federal Communications Commission that it is opening its own
market to competition, the move may help Bell Atlantic in turn win federal
approval to enter the long-distance phone market. (New York Times 4 Jun 96
C4)
"GREEN" PRODUCT DESIGN SOFTWARE
For manufacturers who want to design with the environment in mind, there soon
will be a new software product that analyzes product design to determine how
things like materials or components might be changed to be more
environmentally friendly. For instance, it suggests where recyclable parts
might be appropriate, or how to manufacture products that are easier to
disassemble later. Design for Environment is being developed by Booth
Dewhurst Inc. in cooperation with the Dutch organization TNO Product Centre,
and will be tested this summer by GE Plastics to see how DFE could help
design greener instrument panels for cars. (Business Week 10 Jun 96 p109)
OTA REINCARNATED
The Office of Technology Assessment, which closed its doors last year after
Congress cut off funding for the 23-year-old agency, has been reborn, with
some of its alumni founding the Institute for Technology Analysis in
Washington, DC. Following OTA's precedent, ITA will analyze technology
issues and policy options through workshops at which all vested interests
are represented. Unlike OTA, which worked exclusively for Congress, ITA is
soliciting contracts from industry, professional societies and federal
agencies. (Science News 25 May 96 p331)
NEW TV SHOW TARGETS TECHNOLOGY
NBC is planning a new cable TV show called "Scan" that will focus on how
technology affects people's lives, with IBM tagged as the new program's
exclusive worldwide sponsor. In return, IBM will own the show outright and
maintain final editorial control. The show will air on NBC's CNBC cable
channel in the U.S. and on its network channels in Asia, Europe and Latin
America. (Wall Street Journal 4 Jun 96 B1)
INTERNET IS "FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE" IN TELECOM
Netscape president Jim Clark says: "I've been talking to the
telecommunications companies and telling them that it's the future. It
represents the first fundamental change since the telecommunications system
was invented. The biggest change up to now was when the telephone moved
from a rotary dial to Touch-Tone ... that's really a small change compared
to this." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 4 Jun 96 F3)
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
No, we have not been on vacation. If you have not received Edupage recently,
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PACKARD BELL BECOMES PACKARD BELL NEC
Packard Bell Electronics will merge with the foreign PC operations of the NEC
corporation of Japan to become the world's fourth largest maker of personal
computers, after Compaq, IBM and Apple, and to extend its marketing reach to
corporations and governments. Packard Bell cofounder and chief executive Beny
Alagem will be head of the new company, which will be called Packard Bell
NEC, and which will add to Packard Bell's product line the full range of
notebook computers and servers offered by Zenith Data Systems,
which is owned by NEC and Groupe Bull of France. (New York Times 5 Jun 96
C1)
THE INFORMATION IMPERATIVE INDEX
International Data Corp. has come up with a new ranking system, taking into
consideration how well different countries' citizens can access, adopt and
absorb information and information technology. The top slot, dubbed "Roller-
Bladers," was filled by the U.S. and Sweden. Further down in the second-tier
"Striders" category were South Korea, Israel, Japan, the U.K., Canada and
Australia. IDC describes their information technology attitudes as
cautious, but dedicated and consistent. Last among the 55 countries ranked
was China. IDC, working with World Times Inc. of Boston, used 20 factors,
such as technology spending, computer use and telecommunications
infrastructure to develop their rankings. The companies found a close
correlation between technology success and the following five factors:
secondary school enrollment, college enrollment, newspaper readership, press
freedom and civil liberties. (Investor's Business Daily 5 Jun 96 A6)
ELIMINATE PAPER, SAVE BIG BUCKS
E-commerce is coming -- it's just a matter of time, say the experts. U.S.
companies already purchase $500 billion worth of goods a year
electronically, and that's just a fraction of their total purchases, says a
researcher at Giga Information Group. Once companies figure out how much
money dealing electronically saves them, it will be much, much more. For
example, a simple automobile parts purchase order is estimated to cost $150
to process -- doing it electronically could cut costs to $25. "I really see
the Internet as an explosion of electronic commerce. This is the most
exciting sea change to hit commerce globally in the last 100 years," says the
president and CEO of General Electric Information Services. (Business Week
10 Jun 96 p110)
VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES FOR PRIVACY PROTECTION ON NET
The Interactive Services Association, which represents online information
services, and the Direct Marketing Association are proposing guidelines to
limit unwanted e-mail and direct-mail solicitations and to protect the
unauthorized collection of personal information. Online solicitations would
be required to conform with the stated policies of the newsgroups or forums
on which they are posted, to disclose the identity of the distributors of
the solicitation, and to provide recipients a way of refusing to receive
solicitations. Civil liberties and privacy groups say the proposals would
fail to check online abuses and that government regulation will be necessary
to protect individual privacy on the Internet. (New York Times 5 Jun 96 C6)
SATELLITE TIME IS GETTING EXPENSIVE FOR SCHOOLS
Universities that transmit courses and other educational programs via
satellite are getting hit with charges of up to $1,000 per hour of live
transmission, almost double the cost two years ago, and some are resorting to
mailing out videotapes rather than pay for live shows. "Since the mid-'80s,
there has been a 1,000% increase in satellite costs," says Oklahoma State
University's Marshall Allen. Soaring prices have forced OSU to drop two
advanced placement courses it offered to high school students. The problem
stems from a shortage in satellites combined with more competition in the
spot market, where many educators buy their time. Satellite brokers and
consultants predict the shortage will ease over the next few years as users
migrate from analog transmission to digital, which can be compressed to one-
fourth the transponder space requirement of a full- motion analog signal.
Meanwhile educators are looking to videoconferencing over phone lines and
eventually the Internet as lower-cost alternatives. (Wall Street Journal 6
Jun 96 B1)
YAHOO! TARGETS EUROPE FOR GROWTH
Yahoo! recently teamed up with Ziff-Davis to create Yahoo! Europe and plans
to provide local versions of its search engine software to users in Great
Britain, France and Germany by the second half of this year. The company
also will install computer servers in Europe to handle European users and is
seeking local partners to expand the business. "I think that Europe, from a
user's standpoint, has got to represent in two or three years a third of the
world network population, which will be some 100 to 200 million in 2000,"
says Yahoo!'s president and CEO. (Investor's Business Daily 6 Jun 96 A8)
INTERNET BANKING
The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and some blue-chip technology
companies are planning a system to allow people to make credit, debit and
stored-value card purchases over the Internet and to conduct banking
transactions. Whereas most Internet banking schemes involve software that
authenticates the details of a transaction to make sure the buyer and seller
are who they say they and then encrypts the whole process so ensure
confidentiality, this system tackles the problem by aiming to place card
readers -- like the ones used by retailers for credit or debit cards - in
the homes or businesses of users. (Toronto Globe & Mail 5 Jun 96 B8)
THE UNGAME
Irvine, California-based DVD Software has a new product that automatically
deletes games from networked computers, freeing up limited computing
resources for students and business folks. Oregon State University's
business school manager says, "I had a problem with games," noting that some
students spent hours playing games while others were waiting their turn at
the keyboard to complete assignments. UnGame scans the hard drive for any
of 4,600 games every time the computer is turned on or logged on to the
network. The list of games is updated every month. More than 20 colleges
and universities are using the software now. (Chronicle of Higher Education
7 Jun 96 A24)
BELLSOUTH AND TIME WARNER
LOCAL PHONE SERVICE AGREEMENT
Regional telephone company BellSouth will connect its network to the cable
system of Time Warner, allowing BellSouth customers in three (Florida, North
Carolina and Tennessee) of the company's nine-state area to complete calls
to Time Warner customers. The regional "Baby Bells" will be allowed by the
government to enter the long-distance telephone business only after they
show that they have opened their own local markets to competition from cable
and long-distance phone service providers. (New York Times 5 Jun 96 C4)
RENO WANTS PROTECTION FROM CYBERCRIME
Attorney General Janet Reno has told the FBI, CIA, and Commerce, Defense,
Energy, Transportation and Treasury Departments that she wants to create a
federal computer security emergency response unit to counter physical or
network attacks against the federal computer infrastructure. (Computer
Industry Daily 6 Jun 96) And some U.S. senators want to allow the FBI to
combine forces with the CIA and other intelligence agencies to deal with
international criminal and terrorist activity conducted on the Net. Senator
Sam Nunn (D-Ga.) says that "if we're going to live in this kind of world,
we're going to have to link the intelligence world with law enforcement."
Vanderbilt business professor Donna L. Hoffman, whose work is focused on the
Internet, says: ''There are not dead bodies in the street. It just doesn't
make sense to rush into legislation.'' (San Jose Mercury News Center 6 Jun
96)
SATELLITE DISH PRICES HEADED DOWN
Industry observers are predicting lower digital satellite system receive dish
prices, as the market gravitates toward the cellular phone model -- give the
equipment away and make your money on the recurring service revenue. "It's
getting very similar to cellular," he said. "The more manufacturers and
service providers gain confidence that the income stream down the line from
using the service will increase, the more they'll be willing to bring the
price down," says one retailer who predicts a $99 dish before too long.
Others aren't quite so sure, given recent sluggish sales. "Sales haven't
been as strong this year as they were last year," says a Sears VP. "Maybe
the start of a new football season in the third quarter will pick things up."
(Multichannel News Digest 4 Jun 96)
PC IS "DESKTOP HAIRBALL"
Sun chief executive Scott McNealy, an evangelist for cheap, simple "network
computers" which draw the programs and data they need from the network
rather than storing them locally, says that the personal computer is "a
desktop hairball...The best way to upgrade your PC is to downgrade it. Take
Windows out, take the CD out, use the network instead." (Atlanta Journal-
Constitution 6 June 96 F2)
Edupage is written by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu) & Suzanne Douglas
(douglas@educom.edu).
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Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
Acrobat 3 STR Focus
Adobe Introduces Adobe Acrobat 3.0 Software
Provides Easy Solution to Create
and Share any Document
on
Corporate Intranets
and
The World Wide Web
Mountain View, Calif. (June 3, 1996) (Nasdaq:ADBE) -- Adobe Systems
Incorporated announced today Adober Acrobatr 3.0 software, providing
business customers with one of the fastest and easiest solutions for sharing
any document on-line. With version 3.0, mainstream business customers can use
existing software tools, such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation
and page layout packages, to create rich, cross- platform documents that are
completely integrated with corporate Intranets and the World Wide Web.
Adobe Acrobat 3.0 provides key features that optimize Adobe Portable Document
Format (PDF) files for browsing, serving and searching on the Internet. As a
result, customers will be able to quickly view, search and download PDF
files directly within popular Web browsers, such as Netscape NavigatorT
client software and Microsoftr Internet ExplorerT. In addition, Acrobat 3.0
software greatly extends the ability of average desktop computer users to
get a broad set of document types into a completely portable, Web-ready
format. This includes the ability to scan and convert paper documents into
PDF files, to create and use highly formatted electronic forms, and to
integrate multimedia elements into PDF files using dynamic controls.
"By integrating Acrobat software with the World Wide Web, Adobe significantly
increases the quality
and type of content that customers can use on the Internet," said John Kunze,
vice president and
general manager of Internet Products and Technologies, Adobe Systems
Incorporated. "Acrobat gives
business customers a simple and complete Internet solution for distributing
information on the Web.
Now corporations can represent almost any document on-line, including forms
and paper-based
documents, using a single, rich format and one application."
Acrobat 3.0 extends the capabilities of Acrobat software to provide customers
with a much richer experience of content on the Web. Customers will be able
to seamlessly view PDF content directly within Web browsers that support the
Netscape Navigator Plug-in Application Programming Interface (API). In
addition, Acrobat 3.0 optimizes PDF files to be quickly downloaded by
allowing customers to retrieve and view individual pages. Only the bytes
necessary to display any given page are downloaded and separate objects on
the page are progressively rendered. Optimized PDF files will render text
first while larger objects, such as images, will be downloaded in the
background and rendered afterwards.
"By leveraging the Netscape Plug-in API, Adobe Acrobat 3.0 makes it easy for
the over 30 million users of Netscape Navigator to view, search and download
PDF files on the Internet as easily as they browse HTML documents," said
Mike Homer, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Netscape Communications
Corporation. "The Acrobat Plug-in for Netscape Navigator enables users to
access the wealth of PDF information on the Web, such as critical business
documents created with a broad set of desktop authoring tools."
Adobe also announced it will provide a Microsoftr ActiveXT control for
Acrobat 3.0 software. As a result, customers will be able to integrate the
ability to view and control PDF files in a wide variety of applications
supporting ActiveX technology, including Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0.
"The ability to easily access rich information from the desktop is one of the
most important features driving the acceptance of the Web," said Brad Chase,
General Manager, Internet Platform and Tools Division, Microsoft. "Adobe's
support of ActiveX will enable Acrobat customers and developers to fully
exploit all the features of PDF in the widest variety of applications and
browsers." New Features
" Integrated viewing within popular Web browsers - Acrobat 3.0 software
offers integrated viewing of PDF files directly within World Wide Web
browsers that support the full Netscape Navigator Plug-in API or Microsoft
ActiveX controls.
" Page-on-demand serving and progressive rendering - Page-on-demand
downloading ensures fast access to PDF files across the Web. Progressive
rendering of PDF pages means that text is rendered first, using a substitute
font if necessary, followed by hypertext links and images. Any embedded fonts
are downloaded and drawn onscreen last.
" Acrobat CaptureT plug-in to scan and OCR paper documents - With the
Acrobat Capture plug-in for Acrobat 3.0, customers can scan in paper
documents and easily convert them into PDF files. The Acrobat Capture plug-in
combines document imaging, optical character recognition (OCR), and other
technologies to convert paper-based information into PDF. Unlike OCR
products, the Acrobat Capture plug-in preserves the exact formatting, page
layout, text and graphics, from the original paper pages in a cross-platform
format that can be easily shared on the Web.
" Full-text searching -With Acrobat 3.0 software, searching PDF files on
the Web can be as easy as searching HTML documents. Adobe provides a
development toolkit that allows vendors of full-text searching solutions to
index and retrieve PDF files on Web servers. In addition, Acrobat 3.0
includes full-text searching technology from Verity, Inc. that allows
customers to search collections of PDF files on corporate networks or CD-
ROMs.
" Interactive forms - With Acrobat 3.0, customers can create and fill in
highly formatted, interactive PDF forms. Acrobat 3.0 forms support includes
text fields, multi-line text fields, combo boxes, list boxes, radio buttons,
and checkboxes, with extensive control over appearance, tab order and
behavior. Actions can include posting forms data in HTML to the Internet.
Forms data can also be received from a host server to update a form and its
appearance dynamically, without having to resend the entire form.
" Dynamic controls for multimedia elements - Acrobat 3.0 software allows
customers to create dynamic controls, such as buttons or live areas on a page
that perform a variety of actions, including playing movies or sounds and
executing navigational controls or Acrobat menu items. Through dynamic
controls, PDF files can incorporate multimedia and interactive elements that
enrich end-user experiences with electronic documents.
" Kanji support - With Acrobat 3.0 software release, Acrobat Reader,
Acrobat DistillerT and Acrobat ExchangeT now support multiple-byte Asian
languages: Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Customers can use Acrobat 3.0
software to create, display and print PDF files that contain characters from
these languages. In addition, Acrobat 3.0 software will include two Japanese
fonts that can be used on any Microsoft Windowsr system or on an Appler
Macintoshr system with KanjiTalk or a Japanese Language Kit.
Pricing and availability
Priced and packaged for the business desktop market, Adobe Acrobat 3.0
software provides everything a customer needs to create Web-ready documents.
Windows and Macintosh versions of Acrobat 3.0 software include Acrobat
Exchange, PDFWriter, Acrobat Distiller, the Acrobat Capture plug-in, Acrobat
Catalog and Acrobat Reader in a single box, which customers can optionally
install to meet their specific needs.
Windows 3.1, Windows NTT, Windows 95, Macintosh and Power Macintoshr versions
are expected to be available in August, 1996, for a suggested retail price of
$295. OS/2r, SunOST, SunT Solarisr, HP-UX, and AIXr versions of Acrobat 3.0,
which will include Acrobat Reader, Acrobat Exchange and Acrobat Distiller,
are expected to be available in September, 1996, for a suggested retail price
of $295. Free versions of the Acrobat Reader software, for Macintosh,
Windows, Silicon Graphicsr IRIXr, SunOS, Sun Solaris, HP-UX, AIX and OS/2,
are expected to be available beginning in August, 1996. Beta versions of
Acrobat Reader 3.0 and software for optimizing existing PDF files for
efficient Web delivery are available now for free from Adobe's World Wide Web
server at http://www.adobe.com/acrobat/3beta/.
Based in Mountain View, Calif., Adobe Systems Incorporated develops and
supports products to help people express and use information in more
imaginative and meaningful ways, across all print and electronic media.
Founded in 1982, Adobe helped launch the desktop publishing revolution.
Today, the company offers a market-leading line of application software and
type products for creating and distributing visually rich communication
materials; licenses its industry-standard technologies to major hardware
manufacturers, software developers, and service providers; and offers
integrated software solutions to businesses of all sizes. For more
information, see Adobe's home page at www.adobe.com on the World Wide Web.
Adobe, Acrobat, Acrobat Capture, Acrobat Exchange, and Distiller are
trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Apple, Macintosh and Power
Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and
Windows are registered trademarks and Windows NT, ActiveX and Internet
Explorer are trademarks of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries. IBM,
AIX, and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation. Sun and SunOS are trademarks and Solaris is a registered
trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Silicon Graphics and IRIX are registered
trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the
United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open
Company, Ltd. Netscape Navigator and Netscape are trademarks of Netscape
Communications Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their
respective owners.Page 4 of 4 Adobe Introduces Adobe Acrobat 3.0 Software
Kids Computing Corner
Frank Sereno, Editor
The Kids' Computing Corner
Computer news and software reviews
from a parent's point of view
The Internet Kid's Yellow Pages
softcover book, 355 pages
suggested price $19.95
Written by Jean Armour Polly
Published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill
2600 Tenth St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-549-6600
http://www.osborne.com
reviewed by Frank Sereno
The Internet Kid's Yellow Pages is a fantastic selection of the best Internet
sites for children. Months of research and review went into choosing the
1800 sites included in the book. Sites were judged on several criteria, but
especially educational content. These sites are among the very best the
Internet has to offer for children.
Selections are listed by categories so topics of interest can easily be
found. Subject matter ranges from aquariums to video games. This book is not
merely a list of URL's. Each selection includes URL information along with
an informative summary of the site's contents. The book's pages are peppered
with interesting net facts and trivia that enhance your reading enjoyment.
This book is very easy and fun to read.
The book also includes handy chapters that advise parents on how to introduce
their children to the Internet, ways to get the most value from connect time
and even has tips on how to find the new addresses for any pages that have
been moved since the book's publication. Most importantly, the book has a
section that advises children and parents on the best methods to make your
kid's browsing experiences safe and fun.
Jean Armour Polly maintains a website that supports The Internet Kid's Yellow
Pages. The site (http://www.well.com/user/polly/ikyp.html) features a
listing of URL's that have been changed since the book's publication. You
can also recommend your favorite sites or send an e-mail to the author. She
has pages devoted to other projects that may be to your interest as well.
The Internet Kid's Yellow Pages is a wonderful reference tool for children
and adults. It is a great value because it will save expensive connect time
by reducing the need for time-consuming web searches. The chosen sites are
fun and informative and provide many excellent learning opportunities. The
book is great reading because of its light-hearted style. If you have kids
surfing the Web or if you enjoy browsing a wide variety of educational Web
pages, then you should add The Internet Kid's Yellow Pages to your library.
Hawaii High
The Mystery of the Tiki
Hybrid Windows/Mac CD-ROM
$9.95
Ages 8 and up
Essex Interactive Media
560 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201-894-8700
http:www.essexinteractive.com
Program Requirements
IBM Macintosh
OS: Windows 3.1 or higher OS: System
6.0.7 or higher
CPU: 386SX CPU: Color Macintosh
HD Space: ? MB HD Space: ? MB
Memory: 4 MB Memory: 4 MB
Graphics: 640 by 480 with 256 colors Graphics: 256
colors, 13" monitor
CD-ROM: Double-speed recommended CD-ROM: Double-speed
recommended
Audio: 8-bit Windows compatible sound card
Other: speakers, mouse
reviewed by Angelo Marasco
Don't ever let anyone tell you that you just can't get good software unless
you're willing to pay a high price for it. Hawaii High, The Mystery of the
Tiki is a low-priced, quality piece of software. While it does have some
quirks, The Mystery of the Tiki has a quality about it that tells you that,
while this may be inexpensive software, it is not cheap software. It is
really nice to find that a program of this quality exists in the under $10
price range. Kind of restores your faith in humanity, know what I mean?
The Mystery of the Tiki is set in Hawaii. It is a story about two girls:
Jennifer who has just moved in from New York City, and Maleah, her new friend
and a native Hawaiian. The girls set out on an adventure to restore a stolen
Tiki to its rightful place on the islands. They must avoid the thieves who
lost the tiki while trying to survive their adventure. You follow along on
the adventure and in the course of the adventure learn a few things about
Hawaii and solve a few puzzles.
When I first started the program, I was sure that I was going to be bored
stiff. Much to my surprise, the farther along I went into the adventure, the
more I liked this program. I spent several days trying to work my way
through it and never finished. My thirteen-year-old daughter also tried to
work her way through the program and never finished. There was enough
challenge to it to keep us both busy for several days.
One thing I was very pleased with was the multimedia help for the program.
Instead of making you read endless, boring pages of instructions, this
program uses a narrator in the help section to step you through its use. It
is quick and easy to learn. I tried to use the program without help but was
frustrated after a while and decided to ask for help. It didn't take long
for the narrator to teach me what I needed to know all along.
The graphics in Mystery of the Tiki are cartoon-like but of good quality.
They are attractive to younger children. I was disappointed by how slowly
the graphics loaded and moved even though my 486SX33 computer exceeds the
minimum 386SX requirement. I was also disappointed by the fact that the
characters' mouths do not move. However, the image quality was just too good
to let these drawbacks lower the graphics rating much. Sounds are very good.
The music is pleasant, the theme song is interesting, the background sounds
are believable, the voices are clear and distinguishable from each other.
This helped, since the mouths of the characters don't move, letting you know
who is talking.
I was a little disappointed with the interface while the adventure was
running. The Mystery of the Tiki uses symbols to tell you that a particular
part of the scene can do something. These symbols appear when the cursor
passes over that item. The symbols indicate that a character or item does
something interesting, has something to say, plays music or moves you on into
the adventure. Many times the symbols would flash on the screen when the
cursor arrow passed over an item but would not return when I went back to
that item. It almost seemed as if the symbols were delayed at times. It was
hard to tell if the problem stemmed from the slow graphics or if there was
some kind of programming flaw. The interface rating took a hit because of
this.
The play value of The Mystery of the Tiki is good. Nearly every screen has
some surprise waiting to be clicked on. Quite a few of these items brought
unexpected results. The program isn't boring and keeps your attention. All
three of my little ones, ages thirteen, ten and eight, got something out of
this program. While the adventure does come to an end, I haven't been able
to reach it after several days of trying, and neither have my children.
The Mystery of the Tiki does have some educational value, surprisingly. In
those screens that have some interesting or educational information to
impart, a "guidebook" appears in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
Simply click and drag the guidebook over the items on the screen and let it
go when it opens. The guidebook then opens to a page with something to teach
about Hawaii. Subjects range from geography to biology to earth science. It
teaches without getting too heavy. I was pleased with the way that the
program handles this.
Now for the big one, bang for the buck. Those of you who are familiar with
my reviews know that it is very difficult for software to get a great bang
for the buck rating from me. As a father of four at the head of a one-income
family, I feel much of the software out there is priced well beyond the reach
of the average family and I really think that this is unfair. Generally,
anything greater than $35 is in danger of being rated as overpriced by me
unless it is really high quality stuff. With a retail price of $9.95, I
wasn't expecting much from The Mystery of the Tiki. Once again I learned
never to assume because, when you assume it makes an ..... Well, you get the
picture. I was very surprised by the quality and features of this
inexpensive software. This software falls so far within my price comfort
zone that I really wish I could give it a bang for the buck rating greater
than 10. Maybe a 15? The Mystery of the Tiki really deserves it.
Overall, this is a very good program. It may not be the best, but then what
do you want for $10? If you are looking for something fun and inexpensive to
add to your children's software library then Hawaii High, The Mystery of the
Tiki comes highly recommended by me.
Ratings
Graphics . . . . . . . . . 8.5
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 9.5
Interface . . . . . . . . . 7.5
Play Value . . . . . . . . 9.0
Educational Value . . . 8.0
Bang for the Buck . . . 10.0
Average . . . . . . . . . . 8.75
STR Editor's Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
Editor's MailBag
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
From: "Bob Carpenter" <bobc@globaldialog.com>
To: <rmariano@streport.com>
Subject: Feedback
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 1996 19:33:58 -0500
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Priority: 3
X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1080
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Ralph,
I've been visiting your site for awhile picking up the ASCII version of STR.
I've been reading it since the Atari days. Since STR and myself have moved to
the PC, I think I like it even better now. STR, nor I, are quite
as emotionally charged as back in the Atari days.
Anyway, this past week is the first week I've visited your site with IE.
I've been checking out the 3.0 beta (I like some of it better than Netscape,
some things Netscape does better) and your site is definitely better with IE.
Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" was a nice touch on the "Latest issue"
page.
Thanks for hyping Thumbs Plus so much. I decided to take a look at their
Win95 version and I'm real happy with it. It should make my life much easier
when finding just the right graphic for the user group newsletter.
Bob Carpenter
Bob,
I'm glad you like Internet Explorer 3, I do too! <g> I try to make the
STReport WebSite as entertaining and informative as possible. As for Thumbs
Plus. I use it most every day I work on the WebSite's graphics. Thanks for
writing and reading STReport. Acrobat makes STReport shine!
Special Notice!! STR Infofile File format Requirements for
Articles
File Format for STReport
All articles submitted to STReport for publication must be sent in the
following format. Please use the format requested. Any files received that
do not conform will not be used. The article must be in an importable word
processor format for Word 7.0.. The margins are .05" left and 1.0" Monospaced
fonts are not to be used. Please use proportional fonting only and at eleven
points.
ú No Indenting on any paragraphs!!
ú No underlining!
ú Column Format shall be achieved through the use of tabs only. Do NOT
use the space bar.
ú No ASCII "ART"!!
ú There is no limits as to size, articles may be split into two if lengthy
ú Actual Artwork should be in GIF, PCX, JPG, TIF, BMP, WMF file formats
ú Artwork (pictures, graphs, charts, etc.)should be sent along with the
article separately
ú Please use a single font only in an article. TTF CG Times 12pt. is
preferred. (VERY Strong Hint)
If there are any questions please use either E-Mail or call.
On another note. the ASCII version of STReport is fast approaching the
"end of the line" As the major Online Services move away from ASCII.. So
shall STReport. All in the name of progress and improved readability. The
amount of reader mail expressing a preference for our Adobe PDF enhanced
issue is running approximately 15 to 1 over the ASCII edition. Besides,
STReport will not be caught in the old, worn out "downward compatibility
dodge" we must move forward. However, if the ASCII readership remains as
high, rest assured. ASCII will stay. Right now, since STReport is offered on
a number of closed major corporate networks as "required" Monday Morning
reading.. Our ascii readers have nothing to worry themselves about.
Many grateful thanks in advance for your enthusiastic co-operation and input.
Ralph F. Mariano, Editor
STReport International Online Magazine
Atari: Jaguar/Computer Section
Dana Jacobson, Editor
From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
Okay, so I was really in a foul mood last week c I admit it! I hate doing
our budgets at work when it's a "slash and save" kind of year and then you
get no feedback until you see the final version at the beginning of the
fiscal year! Well, it's all done except for the screaming and review, but
that's the easy part. <g> Things are getting back to normal (insert
definition of "normal" here).
And also, the news is picking up a little bit so that frustrating bit is
changing, at least for the present. Our promised dealer listing last week
didn't make it for some reason, so we're trying it again this week.
Well, I'm going to head out and enjoy this terrific weather.. we deserve it
here on the right coast.
Until next time...
ST INFORMER Magazine
ST INFORMER Magazine [Issue #97] has been mailed. This issue is packed with
goodies for all the interests of folks who love and enjoy their TOS platform
computers. We invite letters of inquiry and criticism to enable us to keep on
top of reader interest.
INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE:
1. - [Potpourri], what is ahead for Atari and where have we been...
2. - [Letters], cross section of user interests that are of interest to
all..
3. - [New Developments] that Include:
ú DA's Layout, Falcon Apex 3, MagiC4, Falcon Afterburner, Papyrus Help,
ú Falcon CD Rom, HP Scanjet-Mustek Drivers, Moving Pixels, ClipArt CD Rom
4. - [Sacramento Expo], all the folks, feeds, foibles, and frantic
purchasing
5. - [Hard Drives], an explanation to all the jargon we keep hearing
6. - [What's Available in Databases], a look at the many offerings
7. - [Positive Image], retouching program that holds great promise for
users
8. - [EZ Grade], Teachers tool that keeps on keepin' on
9. - [More CDs], a look at some more offerings of Atari compatible CDs
10. - [PD Watch], 1PRN, ATIVIRS, COWS, ELFBAK, ENDURANC, EVER_35, ST-WIZ,
etc
11. - [Show Calendar], MIST AtariFest to be held in Indianapolis
....PLUS A FULL MEASURE OF COMMERCIAL OFFERINGS FROM DEVELOPERS AND
ADVERTISERS YOU HAVE COME TO TRUST.
....Don't miss another issue. Cost is low, satisfaction is high. Be sure that
you get a steady dose of what is happening in the Atari and Atari Clone
market in the Western Hemisphere. Thanks for being an enthusiast.
* U.S [12 Issues] $26us [12 w/Disk] $65us
* Canada [12 Issues] $32us [12 w/Disk] $72us
* Foreign [12 Surface] $36us [12 Air] $58us
* Forgw/Disk [Surface] $76us [Air w/Disk] $98us
SUBSCRIBE THIS MONTH:
Every New subscriber and renewal subscriber is eligible for our monthly prize
drawing. We are giving a meaningful prize away each month starting with
renewals and new subscriptions of June 1996. We also feature a new DOMESTIC
ONLY "Short timers" subscription [6 issues] for a reduced rate [1/2 Price +
$4]. Ask us when you call. If you feel you can not make a long range
commitment, then make a short range one and help us "Keep On Keepin' On".
Subscribe now! Contact us via email at our address below.
"Keep on Keepin' On", Rod MacDonald
ST Informer Magazine | stinformer@chatlink.com | Tel: (541) 476-0071|
A&D Atari Software | GEnie: ST-INFORMER | Fax: (541) 479-1825|
909 NW Starlite Place | CIS: 75300,2514 | Order(800) 800-2563|
Grants Pass, OR 97526 | |
MC/Visa/Discover |
World Wide Web URL: http://www.chatlink.com/~stinformer
Gemulator For Laptops now shipping!
It's here. The long awaited notebook and laptop compatible version of
Gemulator is now shipping and available from Branch Always Software, Toad
Computers, ATY Computer, and other Atari dealers. The complete ready to go
emulator costs as little as $119.95 U.S. Gemulator For Laptops turns any
Windows notebook or laptop computer into a portable Atari STE with full
support for the mouse, modem, printer, CD-ROM, and unlimited access to the
hard disk. No separate Atari disk partitions need to be created, and no
hardware is involved. As with other versions of Gemulator, speed is
excellent. Gemulator For Laptops runs at close to Atari TT speeds when used
on common notebook computers such as the Toshiba 105CS.
For the complete Gemulator For Laptops press release, browse
http://www.halcyon.com/brasoft/gemlap.txt or see our web page at
http://www.halcyon.com/brasoft for information on all three versions of
Gemulator.
- Darek
Darek Mihocka the PC Xformer and Gemulator guy, email:brasoft@halcyon.com
c/o Branch Always Software, 14150 N.E. 20th St. #302, Bellevue, WA 98007
phone:206-236-0540 fax:206-236-0257 WWW:http://www.halcyon.com/brasoft/
[Editor's note: Apologies for the problems with the dealer listing that was
slated for last week's issue. Let's try it again this week!]
Atari Computer/Gaming Hardware and Software Sources
CeeJay Software info@compdirect.com
Carey & Janette Cates
P.O. Box 1303 ATY Computers:
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 510-482-3775
To order call us at: (618) 242-0405 a.yu@genie.com
Mon-Fri 6-10pm CST
Best Electronics:
The Computer Dungeon 408-243-6950
1440 Spencer Ave.
Berkeley, IL 60163 ST Informer
Phone: (708) 547-7085 909 NW Starlite Place
Fax: (708) 547-6550 Grants Pass, OR 97526
M-F 9am to 6pm CST Voice (541) 476-0071
Sat. 9am to Noon CST Fax (541) 479-1825
Orders (800) 800-2563
Toad Computers stinformer@chatlink
570 Ritchie Highway GEnie: ST-INFORMER
Severna Park, MD 21146-2925 USA CIS: 75300.2514
Info/International Orders: http://www.chatlink.com/~stinformer
(410) 544-6943
FAX: (410) 544-1329 Current Notes
USA & Canada Orders: Current Notes attn: R. Boardman
(800) 448-8623 (448-TOAD) 559 Birchmound RD. #2
Email: info@toad.net or Scarborough, ON Canada M1K 1P8
info@toad.net@INET# (GEnie Mail) (416) 261-5997
Also TOAD on Genie hcarson@io.org lianne@io.org
http://www.toad.net/
Systems For Tomorrow
Orders: (800) 875-4943 (US/Canada
Only)
Info: (816) 353-1221
Fax: (816) 252-3611
Mail: PO Box 3034
Independence MO 64055
Email: sft@sound.net
Genie: k.kordes1
STeve's Computer Technologies!
405 Main Street
Woodland, CA. 95695
Phone Voice (916)/661-3328
Phone Fax (916)/661-1201
Phone BBS 19166611538
Mon-Sat 10 - 6 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Main Home Page Web Site:
http://woodland.net/wvm/STeves/
2nd Home Page Web Site:
http://promedia.net/~dvm/STeves/
Internet E-Mail:
steves@woodland.net
(checked 4 times a day and more)
Internet E-Mail:
steves@dcn.davis.ca.us
GEnie E-Mail: S.KIPKER
B & C ComputerVisions:
408-986-9960
Computer Dire
ct:
800-547-9203
Jaguar Section
Towers II
The State of Affairs...
And more...?
From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
Just when you thought all was lost, you get a little boost from the world of
third party developers. I've been corresponding with a few of the folks at
JV Enterprises the past few months with regard to Towers II, a completed role
playing game designed for the Jaguar. From what I understand, the game was
not approved for release by Atari, for reasons which have not been disclosed
publicly. JVE decided to seek an independent publisher and was, finally,
successful. As you'll see later on in this column, Telegames has been
contracted to publish Towers II (no release date has been set, but likely for
the 3rd quarter).
This is a plus for Jaguar owners as the console currently has no RPGs to
enjoy. The game is based on the Atari Falcon version, with some changes due
to the difference in media. More changes are likely before the game finally
appears. JVE was kind enough to send me a Falcon version to look at since I
didn't have a PC and necessary other hardware to view the Jaguar version
(they offered it). They also sent me a video taken of the Jaguar version in
action. I've played around a little with the Falcon version, but not a real
lot of play yet. The video looked pretty good, but looked a little
repetitious. It has a Doom like appearance, but with a lot of role playing
mixed in. Since I haven't played the game much, it's difficult to get a real
feel to the game in many aspects yet. But, I will play it some more and hope
to get a Jaguar version to fiddle with in the near future. I can say that I
am psyched to see this game finally going to see the light of day! To get
even more prepared, I loaded up what I feel is the essence of role playing
games on the Atari platform, Dungeon Master, and just completed it (again)
after not touching it for a couple of years. Bring on Towers II (or Chaos
Strikes Back)!! As I learn more about Towers II, I'll bring you up to date.
There's been a lot of speculation regarding the status of Atari and future
Jaguar games appearing (from Atari), if any. I must admit that I'm also
concerned over the "future" of new games. Breakout 2000 was supposed to be
next out, but that's on hold. Putting all of the pieces of information that
I've learned over the past few weeks, I'm going to go out on a limb and say
that we'll likely see Breakout 2000, but in limited quantities. I hope to
have more specific information in the next couple of weeks; and hopefully, it
will be positive.
It appears that the final stages of the Atari JTS merger are in the works. I
would imagine that at that time, there will have to be a definitive plan for
the future of the Atari division of the proposed merger. Will there still be
an Atari division, an Atari Interactive division, and a JTS drive division?
Where's Ralph's mighty Crystal Ball when I need to borrow it?! <g> All that
I can do at this time is make a guess; and I'm not willing to make one. I
can see the Jaguar ending, other than perhaps a game here and there over the
next year, shortly after the merger. I can also foresee Atari releasing some
more games and dragging out the inevitable, especially once the Nintendo
machine makes an appearance. What I am willing to state is that the Jaguar,
as we envisioned it grow into two years ago, has reached the end of the line.
The Jaguar, as has happened with the other console machines, just didn't live
up to expectations. I believe that the "cycle" of console machines has come
and gone again. I don't even believe that Nintendo's pending new entry is
going to live up to its hyped expectations.
I have 2 Jaguars, the CD player, and quite a few games. I plan to add to
that collection and continue to play them for years to come. I still play a
number of games on my Atari computers (see the mention of my finishing
Dungeon Master, again, above). And, if any new games come out in the future
for the Jaguar that I find appealing, I'll get those as well. But, my hopes
for the Jaguar becoming a significant player in the console marketplace died
quite a few months ago. Life does go on.
Until next time...
Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
Sega to Offer Internet Links
A modem and software to connect the Sega 32-bit video game player to the
Internet will be marketed by the company in Japan beginning next month. In
Tokyo today, officials with Sega Enterprises Ltd. told the Reuter News
Service the price of the system, which would include a 14.4 kbps modem, an
Internet browser and video game and communications software, will be 14,800
yen. A Sega official also said the company aimed to sell 500,000 of the
systems in the first year of marketing.
Jaguar Online STR InfoFile Online Users Growl & Purr!
As I mentioned earlier, I have been corresponding with some of the guys at JV
Enterprises regarding the status of Towers II. The brief couple of messages
below are those that I received once it was known that Telegameshad signed on
to publish the game. I just thought that I'd share them with you:
"Hello Dana,
I hope you got the Video okay. Good News, we just signed an Agreement with
Telegames for Towers II Jaguar. I just have to make a few final changes and
then Compt. code T2, and it's off to them.
We don't have a release date, but when we do we'll tell you. I assure you
that I'll be working around the clock to make sure T2 is not delayed any
longer because of us." :)
Vince @ JV Enterprises
"Yes, it is official. We signed a contract and we are getting a development
Jag back to make the changes needed." :)
Vince @ JV Enterprises
ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
On CompuServe
compiled by
Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Well the days keep getting longer and warmer.
Folks are starting to get accustomed to spring again, and things are getting
back to normal here in the Atari Forums. People are posting questions a
little bit more like the old days. It just goes to show you that folks never
get tired of asking for help, giving answers to those who are asking for
help, or just mingling with friends old and
new.
As I write this, my wife is watching APOLLO 13. We just passed the part
where Tom Hanks is telling those penny-pinching Senator-types that many
things had to happen to make the space program happen. One of them was the
invention of a computer that would fit in a single room that could hold
millions of pieces of information. My, my, how far we've come. We've come
quite a way in the past twenty-or-so years. The mind boggles at what we can
expect in the next twenty years. Will we all still be getting together here
on CompuServe or will there be something bigger? Perhaps a "SuperNet"? I
don't pretend to know what the computing world will be like then, but one
thing is for certain: No matter what you can imagine being commonplace in
the year 2016, it's likely to be quite outdated by the time 2016 actually
gets here.
So I guess all we can really do is live with what we have today. For me,
that means an old, comfortable computer and all my friends on CompuServe.
From the Atari Computing Forum
Joe Lensbower asks for help with one of CompuServe's commands:
"Someone told me this last month.... I wrote it down and now I've lost it.
How do you scan ALL and ONLY the NEW files in the libraries? I thought it
was BRO LIB ALL but that's not it. Am I close?"
Sysop Jim Ness tells Joe:
"If you do BRO LIB:ALL you'll get all files in reverse chrono order. If you
do BRO LIB:ALL AGE:2 you'll get the same, but limited to the last two days."
Last week one of my CompuServe friends told me about another Web Browser
program for the Atari ST series of computers. It's called OASIS and it is
reported to support PPP protocol, which is what is necessary to access the
World Wide Web via CompuServe. As an added bonus, it also runs under plain,
vanilla GEM! No MiNT, no MINIX, no kidding. All in a rush to try this new
beastie out, Brian Scott asks:
"Help Does anyone have a login script for Oasis 201 to Compuserve?" Since I
posted this program, I break the temporary bad news to Brian: "Evidently,
there is some problem with the login setup that needs to be fixed by the
authors before it can be used on CIS. I just found this out myself (actually
I was told about it, as I haven't had time to even try to use it on CIS).
I've heard that the next version is due out shortly which will fix this
problem along with some other bugs. (Thank you Neil for the info!) Oasis
seems to be our best bet at the moment for a Web Browser since it uses TOS
_and_ PPP at the same time. Let's hope that it happens soon!"
Patrick Wong posts:
"I have a friend with a TT and a Nova card (one with 1meg Dram). Recently he
wanted to upgrade to one the newer, more powerful Nova cards. I remember
that Nova allows owners to trade in their old cards towards a newer card.
Does anyone know if Nova is still in this forum and if this deal still
exists? He would love to upgrade his card for the TT. He's also
interested in a Mac Emulator. I remember that the owner of the company went
bankrupt and that the emulator only runs up to system 6 software. Is this
accurate? How much would a system 6 Mac emulator
cost?"
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells Patrick:
"You might contact Toad computers and see if they can place in contact with
the seller/importer of Nova cards. With regard to Spectre - GCR it only
works with system 6.x software. Some dealers might still have them but I
have seen a few in this forum being sold used too."
Jack Hughes asks:
"Can someone tell me if I will need HSModem to use a Supra Express 144 with a
1040STf, TOS 1.4 and 4Megs of RAM? From info I have seen in the past, here
and elsewhere, the RS232 max's out at 9600. Is the Supra's speed subject to
setting? Also I am currently using QuickCIS which does not have a 14.4
option, goes from 9600 to 19200."
Sysop Jim Ness tells Jack:
"Use the 19200 setting with a 14400 modem. The modem adjusts to one speed
from the computer and another from the phone line. I do recommend a TSR
like HSMODEM for anything over 9600."
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells Jack:
"You can use Serial Fix v2.0 which is in the library. That is what I use with
my Mega4 ST and it works fine. I just use the AT&F2 setting for 99% of my
work with the SupraFaxmodem and it works just fine. It should be the same
for you also. Set the speed of the serial port at 19,000 since there is
compression between the modem and your serial port."
Michael Squire posts:
"I recently bought a PC and a Gemulator card to go with it. Be aware that
the Gemulator card currently emulates an STe (TOS 2.06) and does -not-
support a joystick. If your games require a joystick, the Gemulator would
not support them at this time. Incidentally, there is a version of MagiC for
the PC in the works and Toad has uploaded a (German) demo over on Genie."
John Stubbs asks:
"I don't suppose its possible to link my old ST to a pc via some kind of
cable? My atari is fitted with an old 286 emulator, is it of any
consequence. I know its probably a complete shot in the dark....."
Sysop Bob Retelle tells John:
"It depends on what you want to do with your ST linked to a PC. There's a
program that lets the PC's hard drive act as a "file server" for the ST, and
you can just transfer files back and forth using a normal serial link via a
"null modem". The problem with sharing files is that the CPU chips of the
two computers are completely different, thus programs won't run
interchangably on them. You can share data files though, like wordprocessor
text files and graphics, to a limited extent."
From the Atari Gaming Forum
Andrew Howard posts:
"Hi all. I want Nolan [Bushnell] to say he will save Atari and kick out the
Trameils.... What do you lot say!! and dont be afraid...."
Hugh Chewning tells Andrew:
"I don't care who takes over. Just release the completed games."
Joe Park adds:
"[That's] Assuming that Atari can still be saved.."
Steve Watkins tells Andrew, Hugh, and Joe:
"I don't know that Nolan Bushnell is the guy to resurrect any company - he's
pretty much lost in all his ventures since going belly up after selling
Atari (and starting his "think tank" for start-ups)."
Tim Wells adds his thoughts:
"Even if Atari has gone out of business, the Jaguar could be bought by
another company and promoted properly, and kick some serious butt."
Hugh tells Tim:
"Maybe 6 months to a year ago, not now, playstation at $199 would make it
impossible to gain any support from third party developers. Atari had a
chance to take its share of the pie. Now there are too many systems vying
for customers and most outpower the Jag. Jaguar 2, wait till DVD is a
standard."
Our latest "Fight for Life" update from John Moreno:
"I finished FFL, and thought that Junior was too easy to beat. The game is
fun, but much more so with two players. I just got MC3D a couple of weeks
ago, and it's great! Virtual MC is one of the hardest games I've played in a
while... there's just too much coming at you at one time! I barely got to
the cloud level for the first time and was destroyed pretty quick. You'll
like it! And original MC is just as adicting as ever! (anyone got a track
ball for this thing?)"
Well folks, I know you couldn't tell, but I just spent several hours
babysitting by five year old neighbor. We sat and played the game that came
with my Jaguar CD, Blue Lightning. I'll tell you, for a five year old, he's
got quite good hand-eye coordination. To make a long story short... um,
shorter than it would have been, he thoroughly enjoyed himself. It made him
easy to babysit, and his mom was glad that he wasn't playing either
Wolfenstein 3D or Ultra Vortek (his former favorites). I don't know why I'm
telling you this, but I had a good time, Nick (the five year old) had a good
time, and his mother had a chance to go and enjoy herself. Isn't technology
wonderful?
Tune in again next week and be ready to listen to what they are saying
when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
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